History of Coos County, New Hampshire, Part 27

Author: Merrill, Georgia Drew
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Syracuse [N.Y.] : W. A. Fergusson
Number of Pages: 1194

USA > New Hampshire > Coos County > History of Coos County, New Hampshire > Part 27

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Mr. Ray has been very fortunate in his marital relations. His first wife, whom he married March 2, 1856, was Alice A. Fling, daughter of Henry Fling, at that time a citizen of West Stewartstown and afterwards of Portland, Maine. She was a woman of lovely character, wonderfully

W.s. Lord

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kind-hearted, caring for those in need, devoted to her husband and family. She bore him two children, and died April 15, 1571. He married, second, October 16, 1872. Mrs. Sallie Emery (Small) Burnside, a lady of rare quali- ties of mind and great strength of character, possessing fine judgment, an amiable disposition, genial and affable manners, and entering quietly but heartily into Mr. Ray's plans and aspirations, guiding with her counsel and strengthening with her love.

His children are: Edward, born October 15. 1558, married. lives in Jefferson; Alice, born April 4, 1866: Helen, born November 17, 1873: Ossian, Jr., born January 4, 1878.

WILLIAM SPENCER LADD, LL. D., son of Hiram and Aurelia (Palmer) Ladd, was born in Dalton. September 5, 1830. On both paternal and ma- ternal sides he descends from families of position in New England from early colonial days. [Daniel Ladd. probably the ancestor of all the Ladds of New England. came, according to " Burke's Landed Gentry," from an ancient family, landed proprietors in Kent, England, before 1500. He sailed from London, March 24. 1633, in the " Mary and John," settled at Ipswich, and, in 1640, was one of the twelve founders of Haverhill, Mass. He held prominent offices, and lived respected and honored to a good old age. Many of his descendants are graduates of Harvard, Dartmouth and Amherst. The Palmer family is an old Connecticut one. coming down, with sterling representatives in each generation, from Walter Palmer, the pioneer settler of Stonington.]

Judge Ladd passed his early life in Dalton. and, after preparatory edu- cation at district and high schools and the N. H. Conference seminary at Sanbornton Bridge, entered the class of 1855 at Dartmouth college, where he was duly graduated. [Besides Judge Ladd, this class has given as judges of the highest courts of their respective states. Judge W. H. H. Allen, of this state. Judge Greenleaf Clark, of Minnesota, and Judge Walbridge A. Field, of Massachusetts; also Hon. Nelson Dingley, Jr .. ex-governor of Maine, now representative in Congress from that state. | He had made his way through college. principally by teaching, and, after graduation, taught one year in South Danvers. Mass. He then entered the office of Hon. A. A. Abbott. of Salem, Mass., as a student of law, where he remained until the death of his mother called him back to Dalton in 1×58. Entering the office of Burns & Fletcher he diligently availed himself of the teachings of these able counselors, and was admit- ted to practice at Lancaster in 1559.

Colebrook offered a good field, and Mr. Ladd at once opened an office there, and soon acquired a busy and profitable practice. This rapidly out- grew the limits of the "Northern district." and, in 1867. he removed to Lancaster, and formed a partnership with Ossian Ray. The firm won a high reputation, and continued until the fall of 1st0, when Mr. Ladd was

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unexpectedly appointed judge of the Supreme Judicial Court. As he was the first Democrat appointed to this position by a Republican governor, the honor conferred was all the more significant and complimentary. Judge Ladd remained on the bench of this court until 1874, when it was legislated out of existence, and he was at once appointed to the second place on the Superior Court of Judicature, which he held until 1876, when the Republicans came into power and abolished the court. In 1877 he formed a law partnership with Everett Fletcher, which still exists. In this later practice in state and national courts, many cases of great impor- tance have been successfully entrusted to him, and he has been referee in numerous causes of magnitude. He is regarded as authority in all matters of railroad law, excels as a business counselor, and is an extremely busy man. He possesses that rare combination of nature s almost essentially opposite, -strong logical reason and quick sensibilities, and he seizes ac- curately upon the salient points of an involved controversy, and by an in- ward debate clears away the immaterial and confusing, and brings to the service of his client careful preparation, learned research, accurate applica- tion of law, and good "fighting" qualities. Dartmouth college recognized this and made him Doctor of Laws in 1887. He was appointed reporter of the decisions of the Supreme Court in 1883, and every case decided since his appointment has been in print within 120 days, while the accumula- tions of the five years previous are nearly all published.

Placed upon the bench when but forty years old, Judge Ladd immedi- ately gave evidence of his fitness for the position. His first opinion de- fined the status of insanity in New Hampshire law, and attracted atten- tion from American and English jurists, and writers upon the Medical Jurisprudence of insanity. He was the embodiment of a high profes- sional morality, and preserved his ermine unsullied. Every case presented to his court was carefully weighed with judgment singularly dispassionate, and decided on its merits in law, and few exceptions to his rulings were sustained. It is through his opinions and as a jurist that Judge Ladd is best known outside the state. In their breadth, scope of argument, clear- ness of statement and elegance of diction they rank among the ablest. Judge Barrett, of Vermont, once said that it was a pity Judge Ladd had not been re-appointed. as the lawyers of the country had come to look for his decisions as they did for those of Chief Justice Shepley. "They were luminous with good sense."

Judge Ladd married, July 5, 1860, Almira B., daughter of Hiram A. and Persis (Hunking) Fletcher, and great-granddaughter of Judge Everett. Their surviving children are Fletcher (D. C. 1884), now a student of law in Germany, William P., and Mary E. Judge Ladd's early youth was passed in a home atmosphere which stimulated his desire for learning, and he has ever been a diligent student. He is intellectual, cultured, and

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well read, loves a good and a rare book, has a valuable private library, and is a discriminating critic in literature, music, and art. He is liberal to all worthy objects, an Episcopalian in religion, a courteous gentleman and enjoyable companion, while in the circle of his charming home he is the soul of kindness.

HENRY HEYWOOD has been in the practice of law in Coos county for seventeen years. He was born in Guildhall, Vt., December 6, 1835. He attended district schools, and several terms at Lancaster academy. In 1852, he entered the Scientific Department of Dartmouth college and graduated in 1855. He immediately went to Wisconsin, and was employed as a civil engineer till 1857. He then came to Lancaster whither his father, William Heywood, had removed, began the study of law in his office, and was admitted to the bar in the spring of 1860. He then practiced about a year in Tamworth, N. H., then removed to Guildhall, Vt., and remained until 1869, and was state's attorney for Essex county two years from December 1, 1862. In June, 1866, Mr. Heywood married Catherine R. Hubbard, of Springfield, Vt. They have one son, William H., born Feb- ruary 25, 1868, now a student of law. In 1869 Mr. Heywood located in Lancaster, and was associated with William Burns until 1876, when Mr. Burns retired, and Mr. Heywood went into partnership with his father, which connection still continues. He was appointed solicitor of Coos county in July, 1874, and was removed "by address" from the office in July, 1876, with three other county officers (for political reasons. in fact, though it is not so expressed in the resolution.) Mr. Heywood has kept up his practice in Essex county, Vt., as well as here, and practiced some in the United States courts, and has twice been to Washington, and argued cases before the U. S. Supreme Court. He is a well-read and competent lawyer, one of the best informed in the county, and is particularly versed in laws concerning real estate, to which he has paid much attention.

GEN. ALBERT S. TWITCHELL, son of Joseph A. and Orinda L. Twitchell, was born in Bethel, Me .. September 16, 1840. He was prepared for col- lege at Gould's academy, at Bethel. before he was sixteen, under the instruction of that celebrated educator, Dr. N. T. True. He then engaged in teaching, and for four years was an extremely popular and successful instructor. Choosing the law as his life business, he became a student in the office of S. F. Gibson, at Bethel. In the spring of 1863 he was appointed enrolling officer of those subject to draft in the district containing Bethel; and, after concluding the duties of that office, enlisted, in December. 1563. in the Seventh Maine Light Battery. When the battery was organized he was made quartermaster's sergeant, and held this position until detailed, in February, 1865, by Gen. Grant for duty at West Point. Va., where he remained until mustered out of service at the close of the war.

He returned to Maine and his law studies, was admitted to practice in

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the courts of Maine in December, 1865, and the next year, in November, was admitted to practice at the New Hampshire bar, removed to Gorham, opened an office, and has since been actively engaged in practice. He is an energetic, busy, honorable lawyer, his standard of professional morality is high, and he has a large clientage. He has been much in official posi- tions. In 1872, when but thirty-two, he was elected by the Republicans railroad commissioner of New Hampshire, and held the office three years. In 1875 and 1876 he was a colonel on the staff of Gov. P. C. Cheney. In September, 1877, he was appointed postmaster of Gorham, and held the office nearly nine years, resigning it in July. 1886. He has taken great interest in the Grand Army of the Republic, has served two years as judge- advocate of the New Hampshire department of this organization, two years upon the council of administration, and was a delegate to the National Encampment at Denver, Colorado, in 1885. He was elected president of the New Hampshire Veterans' Association at their annual re- union in August, 1886, and unanimously re-elected in August, 1887. In June, 1887, he was elected commissary-general of the state by the New Hampshire legislature, and, as such, holds the rank of general on Gov. Sawyer's staff. Gen. Twitchell has always taken a high position in favor of everything tending to the elevation and betterment of mankind, and has been a zealous temperance worker. He was a delegate from the N. H. Grand Lodge of I. O. G. T. to the Right Worthy Grand Lodge of the world which met at Saratoga in May, 1887.

He has enthusiastically aided in the development of the material interests of Gorham. He erected the fine block that bears his name, in many ways has labored to build up the financial and moral prosperity of the town, and, perhaps, more than any other citizen of the place is interested in the educational, brotherhood, and literary interests of the community. He is generous to a fault. and responds liberally to all appeals for help. He married. April 7, 1869, Emma A., daughter of Parker How- land. Their only child. Harold P., died young.

MOSES A. HASTINGS was born at Bethel. Me., December 31. 1848, and received his education at the celebrated Gould's academy, in Bethel, where he was fitted for college. He read law in the office of Hon. David Ham- mons, at Bethel, from the fall of 1864 to August, 1867. He then attended the Albany (N. Y.) Law school, and was admitted to the bar of Oxford county (Me.) in the spring of 1868. He removed to Gorham, N. H., in October, and was admitted to the Coös county bar at the November term, and at once commenced practice at Gorham, as a partner of A. S. Twitchell. This partnership lasted four years, from which time Mr. Hastings con- tinued alone in practice until 1874, when he was appointed clerk of courts for Coos county, and removed to Lancaster. He was re appointed in 1876,

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and still holds office, discharging the duties with urbanity and ability, and winning many friends.

JUDGE EVERETT FLETCHER, son of Hiram A. and Persis (Hunking) Fletcher, was born at Colebrook. December 23. 1848. He received odu- cation at Lancaster schools and Ann Arbor (Mich.) university: studied law with Fletcher & Heywood, with whom he had most excellent advan- tages for becoming thoroughly grounded in knowledge of law and methods of practice, which were not neglected. He was admitted to the bar No- vember 18. 1870, and ever since has been in extremely busy practice. He established himself as a lawyer in Lancaster, and June 11, 1573, entered into partnership with his father, as Fletcher & Fletcher. This connection lasted four years, when the firm of Ladd & Fletcher was formed, which still continues. He was appointed judge advocate-general, with rank of brigadier-general by Gov. S. W. Hale, in June, 1583, and held that office two years. He was appointed judge of probate of Coos county, by Gov. Moody Currier, and took the office April 1. 1885. He is a strong Republi- can, and a member of Coös lodge, Knights of Pythias.

Judge Fletcher draws legal papers strongly; is an honest and careful counselor in business matters, entering with all his heart, as well as mind, into the interests of his clients; and is especially adapted to win success as a lawyer. He is particularly calculated for the important functions of a judge of probate. He is studious, systematic. an original thinker, and inherits much of the quickness of apprehension, literary tastes, and ready wit of his father. Few men of his years in the state stand higher in ability or industry. or are more agreeable or pleasant social companions.

HON. IRVING WEBSTER DREW .- Among the progressive men engaged in business, or the professions in Coös county, few are better or more favor- ably known than Irving W. Drew. He inherited an iron constitution and strong intellectual powers from his ancestry, who were of the New Eng- land stock. The eldest surviving son of Amos W. Drew, he was born at Colebrook. January 8, 1845. His early experience at rugged farm labor was little varied but by attendance at the district school and a neighbor- ing academy. He was fitted for college at Meriden, N. H., and graduated at Dartmouth in 1870. The same year he entered the law office of Ray & Ladd, at Lancaster, N. H. He never really knew the life of the traditional law student. His preceptors, driven with business, threw him into the skirmish line at the outset. With a well disciplined mind, sound judg- ment, and a thorough understanding of the opinions and character of the people among whom he moved. he learned the law more in its relation to actual facts than as an abstract science. In November. 1871. he was reg- ularly admitted to the bar, only a year and a half after his graduation. Early in the following January he succeeded Judge Ladd, who had been appointed to the bench, as a member of the firm. In the spring of 1873

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Hon. William Heywood became a member of the partnership, which was, for the next three years, Ray, Drew & Heywood. Mr. Jordan, who then succeeded Mr. Heywood, the retiring member, has ever since been a part- ner with Mr. Drew. Gen. Philip Carpenter, now of New York, was in the firm from the winter of 1882 till the summer of 1885. Mr. Ray, having some time previously been elected to Congress, retired from the partner- ship at the first of the year 1884. However the firm has been constituted, Mr. Drew has all the time been a conspicuously useful member. Neither has he avoided the social and political duties, which the reliable members of the legal profession are constantly called to assume. A Democrat of decided convictions, with broad and liberal views on all questions of public polity, he has a well-earned reputation, both as an efficient organizer and convincing exponent of party principles on the platform. He was dele- gate to the Cincinnati Democratic National convention of 1880, and a state senator in 1883. He made a record there as a judicious legislator, a skill- ful parliamentarian, a superior debator, a dignified and incorruptible sena- tor. He is interested in educational work, and does his part to sustain the leading social organizations; to build up the church; to give the public the benefit of libraries, improved public buildings and first class hotels: to extend railroad lines in directions which shall develop the resources of the county.

He is known as Major Drew. This came of his service in the Third Regt., N. H. National Guards, for some three or four years. Tradition has it that Major Drew's father was an accomplished militia officer. The maxim "Like father, like son" is further exemplified by both having been members of the Senate and both pleasing vocalists. The Major is everywhere admired for his social qualities, and in song he is facile prin- ceps. But the attachment of his friends is not to be attributed to those accomplishments of song, speech and manner, which might commend him equally to life-long or casual associates. It comes from his sincerity, his helpfulness and sympathy in their adversity, and his unfeigned satisfa' tion in the knowledge of their prosperity.

Mr. Drew's home since he first entered upon the study and practice of the law with Mr. Ray, has been at Lancaster. Miss Carrie H. Merrill, daughter of S. R. Merrill, of Colebrook, became his wife, November 4, 1869. Of their children three survive-two sons and a daughter. Except his family and his home, nothing is so near his heart, nothing so com- mands his powers as does his profession. All the diversions of business and society, and the zeal of political contention are temporary with him. He makes his client's cause his own. He prepares for trial with care, with fidelity, and with determination to have the verdict. He takes responsi- bility, and, if necessary, makes bold hazards for success. He is skillful in the examination of witnesses, and stands among the leading advocates of

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the courts in which he appears. To enumerate the causes of the past decade in which he has had prominent part would be the naming of the important matters of litigation in Northern New Hampshire and Eastern Vermont. A tireless worker with a large clientage and profitable business, he is a good financier and has earned a sound foundation for his reputa- tion, both as an able lawyer and a successful man of affairs.

He is in the fullness of his powers. His character is established. It is the manifestation of his own sturdy manhood: and his friends may look with confidence to what the future may hold in store for him.

ALFRED R. EVANS is a son of Otis Evans, of Shelburne, and Martha Pinkham, daughter of Daniel Pinkham, who is well remembered as the man who built the first carriage road from Jackson to Randolph. through the Pinkham Notch, and lived where the Glen House now stands. Mr. Evans was born in Shelburne, March 21, 1849. He fitted for college at Lancaster academy, graduated at Dartmouth college in 1872, read law at Gorham, and was a member of the state legislature from Shelburne in 1874-75, in the latter year being chairman of the committee on insurance. a subject to which he has paid considerable attention. He was admitted to Coos county bar in April, 1875, and since that time has been in the prac- tice of his profession in Gorham. He was also returned to the legislature in 1878. He is justice of the peace and quorum throughout the state, and notary public in New Hampshire. He was married, June 1, 1881, to Mrs. Dora J. Briggs, daughter of Charles W. Bean, of Gorham. Mr. Evans is a straightforward man, attends faithfully to the duties of his profession, is an able, energetic lawyer of strict integrity, and a close and painstaking student. He has many elements of popularity, and possesses a most genial disposition and a large circle of friends.

HON. CHESTER BRADLEY JORDAN, born in Colebrook, N. H., October 15, 1839, was youngest son of Johnson and Minerva (Buel) Jordan.

The name Jordan is of French origin, the original orthography being Jourdaine. One branch of the family crossed the English Channel with William the Conqueror, and became domiciled in England. Others of the name emigrated to New England direct from France at an early period. We do not know, nor does it matter, from which particular line of foreign descent Mr. Jordan takes his origin; sufficient for us it is that for several generations his ancestors on both sides have been Americans, true and loyal to the country and its institutions. His grandfather, Benjamin Jor- dan, was born in the old town of Rehoboth, Mass., served four years in the Continental army during the Revolution, and was one of the daring little band that effected the historic capture of Gen. Prescott. His mater- nal grandfather, Capt. Benjamin Buel. came to Colebrook from Connecti- cut (where he was born, August 20, 1767,) in 1503. He was a scholarly man of excellent character and refined tastes, an elegant penman, and,

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for many winters. a highly prized teacher in Colebrook. He died March 24, 1829. His wife, Violetta Sessions, was also born in Connecticut. She was a woman of aristocratic culture and bearing, and had quite a compe- tency in her own right. She died in her native state, in 1855, aged seventy- seven. Johnson Jordan, born in Plainfield, N. H., April 8, 1798, came to Colebrook in 1818, and, in 1822, married Minerva Buel, (born July 19, 1801, at Hebron, Conn., died in Colebrook, March 13, 1853.) They had ten children, of whom six attained maturity. From the birth of Chester B. until her death, fourteen years, Mrs. Jordan was an invalid. She was, however, more than an ordinary woman, and her teachings, influence, and character had a strong and beneficial effect upon her children. The testi- mony of her intimates is that she was a noble Christian woman of sterling worth, unflinching in duty, sensitive, modest and lovable, tender and con- siderate, and keenly alive to the wants of others. Loyal to her convic- tions of right and duty. she never hesitated, even if others faltered, and, for many years, was a valued member of the Congregational church. Johnson Jordan was a strong man physically, of fair judgment and sense. but passed many years of his active life in the hard and unprofitable labors of a pioneer and clearer of lands. He died August 16, 1873.

The early years of Chester B. Jordan were passed in hard labor with long days of toil. scant advantages of education, and but little to encour- age him. Nothing but bare essentials, not the slightest approach to luxury, found a place in the frugal household. Strict economy was compulsory in the home life, and the scarcity of money caused home-made clothing to be the wearing apparel for many years. The cheerless tasks were faithfully done, and the privations uncomplainingly endured, but the lad hungered for knowledge. There were no books at home except the Bible and well- thumbed school books, and the small Sunday-school library was eagerly devoured. There is one compensation possessed by a life environed by such adverse circumstances, in that there is early developed a keenness of thought and capacity of self-reliance beyond its years, and so we find that Chester at an early age gathered and sold berries to pay for a subscription to the Independent Democrat, and, later on, to the New York Tribune, and began to be conversant with the affairs of the world and the politics of the conntry at an age when many lads were only thinking of their toys. He was interested at nine years of age in the campaign which placed Gen. Taylor in the presidential chair, and much more in that of 1852, when he purchased a campaign life of General Scott and committed it nearly to memory, and thought himself equipped to demonstrate to the Democratic boys of his circle the wisdom of electing Gen. Scott instead of Gen. Pierce. He remained with his f ther until 1860, when his increased desire for edu- cation caused him to enter Colebrook academy for the first half of the term. From this time he attended Colebrook and Meriden academies, until he was

July 22, 187

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graduated at the latter institution in 1866. He became a popular teacher of public and select schools, was principal of Colebrook academy several terms, and taught in all eighteen terms. He was town superintendent of Colebrook in 1865-66-67, and selectman for 1867.

He heartily espoused the Republican cause and was chosen to preside at all the meetings of that party held in Colebrook in the spirited campaign which resulted in the re-election of Lincoln. He made many friends, did thoroughly and without bluster all duties coming to his hand, and in 1968, was appointed clerk of the court. and removed to Lancaster, which has since been his residence. He discharged the duties of this office with efficiency, and his retention was asked by nearly every attorney in the county, but he was too strongly Republican to be retained under a Demo- cratic administration. and was removed October 23. 1874. He had decided literary tastes and ability, could clearly and forcibly express his opinions in writing, and, in 1870, had purchased the Coös Republican and become its editor. Under his administration it was a candid but determined sup- porter of Grant, and ranked high among the newspapers of the state. For many years Mr. Jordan contributed articles to the Boston Journal, Con- cord Monitor. the Statesman and campaign papers, and also to the Lun- caster Gazette in the presidential campaign of 1s>4. His political articles are marked for their clear comprehensiveness of affairs, their straight- forward, matter-of-fact way of presentation. their candor, and their logi- cal and conclusive reasoning. In a quiet and unpretentious manner they reach the understandings of all in a manner which tells. By voice and by his gifted pen he has ever advocated liberal appropriations for all educational, charitable and patriotic objects.

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History of Coos County, New Hampshire, Part 27

Author: Merrill, Georgia Drew Publication date: 1888 Publisher: Syracuse [N.Y.] : W. A. Fergusson Number of Pages: 1194

Author: Merrill, Georgia Drew
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Syracuse [N.Y.] : W. A. Fergusson
Number of Pages: 1194